Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine (Statewide)

South

Due to the hospital redevelopment access to this unit is now via the RHH's Liverpool Street entrance or via the Clinical School entrance in Collins Street. Patients will receive directional instructions including map with appointment letter.

North

North West

Assessment and management of people requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been used for many years to treat decompression illness or the bends in divers. This is not its only medical application. The hyperbaric unit in Hobart treats patients with the many acute and chronic disorders – see conditions

Outreach Assessment Clinic held northern region quarterly.

Emergency conditions

These patient require referral same day and are likely to be time critical

Divers – call Triple Zero (000) and state that it is a "diving emergency". The diver emergency protocol - will be implemented

Non divers – call RHH Switchboard (03) 6166 8308 and ask to speak to the Hyperbaric Specialist on call. Non-diver emergencies may be directed to the nearest Emergency Department for initial stabilisation and workup, prior to transfer to the Hyperbaric facility.

Referral process

If you think your patient may benefit from hyperbaric treatment please fax a referral to us (se clinic location details). We will contact the patient directly and arrange a time for assessment. Alternatively you may like to phone us to discuss a referral. Prof David Smart and Dr David Cooper (03) 6166 8193.

Clinic Appointments - Appointments are based on clinical priority:

Emergency

These patient require referral same day and are likely to be time critical

Divers – call Triple Zero (000) and state that it is a "diving emergency". The diver emergency protocol - will be implemented

Non divers – call RHH Switchboard (03) 6166 8308 and ask to speak to the Hyperbaric Specialist on call. Non-diver emergencies may be directed to the nearest Emergency Department for initial stabilisation and workup, prior to transfer to the Hyperbaric facility.

Urgent / category 1

We will endeavour to see these patients within one week. Fax referral to (03) 6222 7268, and call (03) 6166 8193 between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm to discuss the patient with the Hyperbaric Specialist so that an urgent appointment for assessment can be made.